People who've sorted through family estates these days have often found a bag or can full of old coins. While some were put aside by knowledgeable collectors, the great majority were hoarded when the U.S. government quit making silver coins in 1965. Others were amassed during trips abroad, or during military service overseas. For the uninitiated, these random “grab bags” of coins have proven bewildering. While the majority were common, subtle differences in condition, mint marks, dating and metal composition have made a huge difference in values in some cases. How could you have known what was valuable and what wasn't?

For us at Tampa Bay Total Estate Sales, old coins have been a long-time specialty. Our accredited appraiser has studied them for four decades, and has acquired the skills to quickly assess which have value, whether they be gold eagles, Morgan dollars, wheat pennies or silver schillings.

More importantly, Tampa Bay Total Estate Sales has generally gotten higher prices than a private seller could have hoped to get from a coin dealer. We've sold everything from scarce Carson City dollars and 20¢ pieces to silver pesos, both at our sales and through private placement with serious collectors.

So if a collection of old coins has come into your life, avoid the temptation to throw them at a dealer or spend them from the coin jar. A call to Tampa Bay Total Estate Sales has proven well worthwhile for many past clients in the same position.